Chapter 170. Useless Banter
Soon enough, they found their respective rooms at the end of the dimly lit hallway. Room 7 was designated for Cassius and Mia, while Kaelira and Verena had been assigned Room 10.
Kaelira raised a brow the moment she read the numbers on the keys. "Why the hell am I paired with this girl?" she asked, her tone sharp as she jabbed a thumb at Verena. "And why are you sharing a room with Cassius? I mean, I know you’re his sister—I’m willing to believe that now—but seriously, isn’t that a little weird?"
Mia tilted her head, genuinely confused. Her soft voice was innocent and flat. "How is that weird? He’s my brother, not a stranger. You’re the one being weird for asking such a thing."
Kaelira didn’t seem convinced, and for once, Verena decided to take her side. "Yeah, I think so too," she said, nodding with an overly dramatic sigh. "Mia, why don’t you just stay with me? Let the lovebirds take their little honeymoon suite. You shouldn’t be alone with that guy. Who knows what he might do?"
Mia’s expression darkened. "I won’t," she said coldly, glaring at Verena. "Don’t make me repeat myself." She turned to Kaelira next. "And you—stay with Verena in Room 10. I’m going to find my brother. He should’ve returned by now."
With that, she spun on her heels and started heading down the corridor toward the stairs. But before she could even reach the end of the hallway, a familiar presence appeared from below.
Cassius.
His steps were slow. His face blank, void of any trace of emotion. His entire upper body was coated in a thick, gooey, black liquid that clung to him like a second skin. It reeked of blood, foul and rotten blood.
The sight of him made Mia freeze in place.
She took a step back on instinct. Her heel caught against the edge of the wall, and she nearly stumbled—until Cassius appeared before her in a flash.
With one hand, he grabbed the collar of her shirt and yanked her upright. It wasn’t gentle, but it wasn’t violent either—just a reflexive move to keep her from falling.